Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. It exists as a colourless, odourless, highly flammable gas (H₂) and plays a key role in both industry and the clean energy transition.
Traditionally, hydrogen is used in refining, fertiliser production (ammonia) and chemical manufacturing. In recent years, it has gained importance as a clean energy carrier, particularly in fuel cells for transport, backup power and energy storage.
Hydrogen is classified by production method: grey (from fossil fuels), blue (with carbon capture) and green (via electrolysis using renewable electricity). Green hydrogen, in particular, offers a carbon-free solution for decarbonising hard-to-electrify sectors like heavy industry, long-haul transport and steelmaking.
Its ability to store excess renewable energy and provide flexible, zero-emission power makes hydrogen critical to achieving net-zero targets and enhancing energy security.
Risks
Due to its physical and chemical properties, hydrogen poses several fire and explosion risks that must be carefully managed in any environment where it is stored, transported, or used. Some risks include:
- Highly Flammable
- Hydrogen ignites easily and burns with an almost invisible flame, making it harder to detect and increasing the risk of accidental exposure.
- Wide Flammable Range
- It has a broad flammable concentration range in air, meaning even small leaks can lead to ignition in various conditions.
- Low Ignition Energy
- Hydrogen requires very little energy to ignite – a small static spark can be enough – making safe handling and grounding essential.
- Leakage Risk
- As the smallest and lightest molecule, hydrogen can escape through tiny cracks or porous materials, creating hidden accumulation points.
- Explosive Potential in Confined Spaces
- If hydrogen accumulates in enclosed areas, it can form an explosive atmosphere, leading to significant damage if ignited.
Challenges
Detecting hydrogen gas presents unique technical challenges due to its physical characteristics and behaviour. Reliable detection is essential for safety, particularly in industrial or energy settings where leaks can lead to fire or explosion. Some common challenges in hydrogen detection include:
- Invisible Flame
- Hydrogen burns with a nearly invisible flame in daylight, making visual detection of leaks extremely difficult.
- Rapid Dispersion
- Being the lightest gas, hydrogen disperses quickly in air, which can make pinpointing leak sources harder and reduce sensor exposure time.
- Low Odour and Colour
- Hydrogen is colourless and odourless, offering no natural warning signs of a leak without specialised sensors.
- Wide Flammability Range
- Hydrogen’s broad flammable range means even small leaks can be dangerous, requiring sensitive and fast-response detectors.
- Sensor Interference or Drift
- Some hydrogen sensors can suffer from cross-sensitivity to other gases, signal drift over time or degraded performance in harsh environments.
Hydrogen Gas Detection Solution
The Oggioni DUST series is a high-performance range of fixed gas detectors designed for continuous monitoring of combustible and toxic gases, including hydrogen. Engineered for demanding industrial environments, DUST detectors combine robust construction, precision sensing and long-term reliability.
For hydrogen applications, the DUST range offers key advantages. Its advanced sensor technology ensures high sensitivity and fast response times, which are critical when dealing with hydrogen’s low ignition energy and wide flammability range. The devices are built to detect low concentrations of hydrogen quickly and accurately, helping to prevent potential leaks from escalating into dangerous situations.
The Oggioni DUST gas detection line offers two primary sensing technologies to suit different applications: Pellistor (Catalytic Bead) Sensors and Electrochemical Sensors:
Pellistor Sensor
Pellistor sensors, also known as catalytic bead sensors, are a well-established technology for detecting flammable gases like hydrogen. These sensors work by oxidising the target gas on a heated catalytic bead, producing a temperature change that alters the bead’s electrical resistance. This change is measured and converted into a gas concentration reading.
Pellistor sensors are highly effective in open or well-ventilated areas, offering fast response times and a wide detection range. They are particularly suitable for continuous hydrogen monitoring where combustible gas concentrations may vary.
Electrochemical Sensor
Electrochemical sensors are ideal for detecting low concentrations of toxic or flammable gases, including hydrogen. These sensors operate by generating a small electrical current when the target gas undergoes a chemical reaction at the electrode surface. The current produced is proportional to the gas concentration.
Electrochemical sensors are highly sensitive and precise, making them suitable for environments where even trace amounts of hydrogen must be detected. They perform well in confined spaces or controlled indoor settings and are less susceptible to cross-sensitivity compared to other technologies.
Oggioni DUST
Oggioni DUST offers a complete range of fixed gas detectors for explosive gases, oxygen monitoring and toxic gas detection across industrial applications.
The Explosive Gas detector detects flammable gases like hydrogen or methane to prevent fire and explosion risks in hazardous environments.
The Oxygen detector Monitors oxygen levels for both enrichment and deficiency, ensuring safe breathing conditions or combustion control.
The Toxic Gas detector Identifies harmful gases such as CO, H₂S, or NH₃ to protect personnel from health hazards and regulatory breaches.
Approvals
Oggioni DUST-AD
The DUST-AD range features advanced fixed gas detectors with analogue and digital outputs, suitable for explosive, oxygen, and toxic gases. Key features include ATEX-certified enclosures, flexible sensor options, fast response times and compatibility with safety systems for reliable gas monitoring in industrial environments.
For DUST-AD detectors, optimal placement in plant rooms includes areas near gas supply lines, valves, and equipment where leaks are most likely. For hydrogen, mount detectors high on walls or ceilings due to its buoyancy. Ensure detectors are accessible for maintenance, away from ventilation ducts that may dilute gas concentrations.
Oggioni DUST-DY
The DUST-DY range features digital fixed gas detectors with local display, offering real-time readings for explosive or toxic gases and oxygen. Key features include ATEX-certified housings, flexible sensor types, Modbus RTU output, and visual status indicators – ideal for industrial sites requiring immediate on-site gas concentration monitoring.
DUST-DY detectors can be installed near potential leak sources like gas inlets, valves, and storage points. The detector can be placed at eye level for easy reading. Avoid areas with strong airflow or dead zones to ensure accurate, real-time monitoring.
Why Choose Eurofyre?
- Complete System Supplier
- Eurofyre supplies all aspects of fire and gas detection, including the Oggioni gas detection range, and can provide expert advice and consultation.
- Demonstration and Training
- We offer demonstrations and expert training on a range of systems, including Oggioni Gas detection systems, in our very own sophisticated training facility.
- After-Sales Support
- Eurofyre offers both on-site and telephone support to assist you in ensuring that your system is fully functional and operating at maximum efficiency. Our after-sales care and support are second to none.
For more information about Oggioni DUST Gas Detection, or to discuss any of the other products that Eurofyre have to offer, please feel free to get in touch either by phone on +44 (0) 1329 835 024, by email to [email protected] or via the online enquiry form situated on our contact page.
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